Difference In Mean Diastolic Blood Pressure Research Articles

The Effect of Yoga Intervention on Psychological Symptoms, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in People with Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background: Whether yoga is effective in the cardiac rehabilitation of people with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains controversial. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of yoga intervention on psychological symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and major cardiovascular risk factors in people with CAD. Methods: We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (from the earliest date available to July 2023). Mean difference (MD), standardized MD (SMD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Results: Seventeen studies, with 5,698 patients, met the study criteria. Compared to control (no exercise), yoga resulted in improved depression MD −0.83 (95% CI: −1.35 to −0.31), stress MD −3.83 (95% CI: −4.8 to 2.86), HRQoL SMD 1.48 (95% CI: 0.55 to 2.4), major cardiovascular risk factors (peak VO2 MD 1.7 mL/kg/min [95% CI: 0.2 to 3.3], systolic blood pressure MD −3.2 mmHg [95% CI: −5.9 to −0.5], and diastolic blood pressure MD −2.42 mmHg [95% CI: −4.08 to −0.76]). Conclusions: Yoga was effective in the improvement of psychological symptoms, HRQoL, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Maternal habitual snoring and blood pressure trajectories in pregnancy.

Habitual snoring has been associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. However, exactly when blood pressure (BP) trajectories diverge between pregnant women with and without habitual snoring is unknown. Moreover, the potentially differential impact of chronic vs pregnancy-onset habitual snoring on maternal BP trajectories during pregnancy has not been examined. This study compared patterns of BP across pregnancy in 3 groups of women: those with chronic habitual snoring, those with pregnancy-onset habitual snoring, and nonhabitual snoring "controls." In a cohort study of 1,305 pregnant women from a large medical center, participants were asked about habitual snoring (≥ 3 nights/week) and whether their symptoms began prior to or during pregnancy. Demographic, health, and BP data throughout pregnancy were abstracted from medical charts. Linear mixed models were used to examine associations between habitual snoring-onset and pregnancy BP trajectories. A third of women reported snoring prior to pregnancy (chronic snoring) and an additional 23% reported pregnancy-onset snoring. Mean maternal age (SD) was 29.5 (5.6), 30 (6), and 30.5 (5.7) years in controls, chronic, and pregnancy-onset snoring, respectively. Overall, women with pregnancy-onset snoring had higher mean systolic BP and diastolic BP compared to those with chronic habitual snoring or nonhabitual snoring. In gestational week-specific comparisons with controls, systolic BP became significantly higher around 18 weeks' gestation among women with pregnancy-onset snoring and in the third trimester among women with chronic snoring. These differences became detectable at 1 mm Hg and increased thereafter, reaching 3 mm Hg-BP difference at 40 weeks' gestation in women with pregnancy-onset snoring relative to controls. Pairwise mean differences in diastolic BP were significant only among women with pregnancy-onset snoring relative to controls, after 15 weeks' gestation. Pregnancy-onset and chronic maternal snoring are associated with higher BPs beginning in the second and third trimester, respectively. Pregnancy BP trajectories could identify critical windows for enhanced BP surveillance; the divergent BP trajectories suggest that the 2 groups of women with habitual snoring in pregnancy may need to be considered separately when gestational time intervals are evaluated for increased BP monitoring. Dunietz GL, Hao W, Shedden K, etal. Maternal habitual snoring and blood pressure trajectories in pregnancy. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(1):31-38.

Hypertension Editors' Picks: Air Pollution.

Hypertension Editors' Picks: Air Pollution.

Effects of Home Particulate Air Filtration on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review.

Air pollution is a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Fine particulate matter <2.5 µm in diameter may be a modifiable risk factor for hypertension. The benefits of in-home air filtration on systolic blood pressure (BP) and diastolic BP are unclear. To examine the effects of in-home personal air cleaner use on fine particulate exposure and BP, we queried PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register, Inspec, and EBSCO GreenFILE databases for relevant clinical trials. Included studies were limited to nonsmoking participants in smoke-free homes with active or sham filtration on indoor fine particulate concentrations and changes in systolic and diastolic BP. Of 330 articles identified, 10 trials enrolling 604 participants who met inclusion criteria were considered. Over a median 13.5 days, there was a significant reduction of mean systolic BP by ≈4 mm Hg (-3.94 mm Hg [95% CI, -7.00 to -0.89]; P=0.01) but a nonsignificant difference in mean diastolic BP (-0.95 mm Hg [95% CI, -2.81 to 0.91]; P=0.32). Subgroup analyses indicated no heterogeneity of effect by age, level of particulate exposure, or study duration. Given the variation in study design, additional study is warranted to confirm and better quantify the observed benefits in systolic BP found with personal air cleaner use.

Effect of Aspiration Therapy on Obesity-Related Comorbidities: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/AimsAspiration therapy (AT) involves endoscopic placement of a gastrostomy tube with an external device that allows patients to drain 30% of ingested calories after meals. Its efficacy for inducing weight loss has been shown. This study aimed to assess the effect of AT on obesity-related comorbidities. MethodsA meta-analysis of studies that assessed AT outcomes was conducted through December 2018. Primary outcomes were changes in comorbidities at 1 year following AT. Secondary outcomes were the amount of weight loss at up to 4 years and pooled serious adverse events (SAEs). ResultsFive studies with 590 patients were included. At 1 year, there were improvements in metabolic conditions: mean difference (MD) in systolic blood pressure: -7.8 (-10.7 – -4.9) mm Hg; MD in diastolic blood pressure: -5.1 (-7.0 – 3.2) mm Hg; MD in triglycerides: -15.8 (-24.0 – -7.6) mg/dL; MD in high-density lipoprotein: 3.6 (0.7–6.6) mg/dL; MD in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): -1.3 (-1.8 – -0.8) %; MD in aspartate transaminase: -2.7 (-4.1 – -1.3) U/L; MD in alanine transaminase: -7.5 (-9.8 – -5.2) U/L. At 1 (n=218), 2 (n=125), 3 (n=46), and 4 (n=27) years, the patients experienced 17.8%, 18.3%, 19.1%, and 18.6% total weight loss (TWL), corresponding to 46.3%, 46.2%, 48.0%, and 48.7% excess weight loss (EWL) (p<0.0001 for all). Subgroup analysis of 2 randomized controlled trials (n=225) showed that AT patients lost more weight than did controls by 11.6 (6.5–16.7) %TWL and 25.6 (16.0–35.3) %EWL and experienced greater improvement in HbA1c and alanine transaminase by 1.3 (0.8–1.8) % and 9.0 (3.9–14.0) U/L. The pooled SAE rate was 4.1%. ConclusionsObesity-related comorbidities significantly improved at 1 year following AT. Additionally, a subgroup of patients who continued to use AT appeared to experience significant weight loss that persisted up to at least 4 years.

Blood pressure in relation to frailty in older adults: A population-based study.

In frail older adults, low blood pressure (BP) might be associated with worse health outcomes and hypertension management in this population is highly debated. Using data from a population-based study of older adults, we assessed the association between frailty and BP. We used data collected between 2014 and 2016 from 3157 participants aged between 67 and 80years in the Lausanne cohort Lc65+. BP was measured three times at one visit, and frailty status was assessed based on Fried's phenotype model. We analyzed the cross-sectional association between BP and frailty by computing mean systolic and diastolic BP stratified by sex, age, and frailty and by fitting regression models. The average age of the participants was 73.3 (standard deviation [SD]: 4.1) years, and 59.1% were women. 34.1% were pre-frail, and 3.3% were frail. Mean BP was 135.1/76.3mm Hg (SD 18.5/11.0). Age- and sex-adjusted systolic BP was on average lower by 2.8mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-4.2) and 6.7mm Hg (95% CI: 3.2-10.3) among pre-frail and frail compared to non-frail participants. Similar differences in mean diastolic BP across frailty status were found. Upon adjustment for antihypertensive treatment, the associations between frailty status and BP did not change substantially. Frail individuals had a substantially lower BP compared with non-frail older adults. Because low BP could be detrimental among frail older patients, our findings raise questions about hypertension management in this population and stress the need for additional evidence.

Immediate Interventions for Presyncope of Vasovagal or Orthostatic Origin: A Systematic Review

Background: Syncope is a common condition that may be prevented. There are non-pharmacological interventions that may be of benefit during the acute episode preceding syncope (presyncope), including physical counter-pressure maneuvers (PCM) or change of body position. We performed a systematic review of interventions that may be applied during presyncope as an immediate, first aid tactic. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, and CINAHL and used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methods, and risk of bias assessments to determine the certainty of the evidence. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized studies, and case series investigating adults and children with signs and symptoms of presyncope of suspected vasovagal or orthostatic origin who applied any intervention that could be used as an immediate, first aid intervention. We examined the following outcomes: prevention of syncope, adverse events, symptom improvement, and vital signs. We conducted a sub-group analysis based on the etiology of vasovagal or orthostatic presyncope. Results: We screened 5,160 titles and abstracts followed by 81 full text articles. We identified 8 studies meeting inclusion criteria, including 2 RCTs and 6 observational studies. All studies used PCM in adults and all were judged to be of low and very low certainty of evidence. For prevention of syncope, one RCT demonstrated benefit with the use of PCM (RR = 1.80 [1.26–1.89]), while observational studies failed to show benefit (RR = 1.31 [0.98 – 1.75]). Two RCTs showed benefit in symptom improvement (RR = 6.00 [2.21 – 8.61] and (RR = 1.57 [1.06 – 1.93]). Blood pressure (BP) improved with the use of PCM: systolic BP mean difference (MD) 21 mmHg higher (95% CI: 18.25 to 23.41 BPM) and diastolic BP MD 11 mmHg higher (95% CI: 9.39 to 13.10 mmHg higher). No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: While there is a minimal amount of evidence available and the findings were mixed, PCM may provide benefit for prevention of syncope during acute episodes of presyncope and may be tried in the first aid setting. No evidence was found for other non-pharmacologic interventions or for the use of PCM in children.

Safety and tolerance of propranolol in neonates with severe infantile hemangiomas: a prospective study

Although the efficacy of propranolol for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) has been well documented, there is a paucity of clinical data regarding the safety and tolerance of propranolol in neonates. A prospective study of 51 patients less than 30 days of age with severe IH was conducted. All patients were admitted to the hospital for monitoring during initial propranolol treatment at day 0 with dose adjustments at days 7 and 28. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), blood glucose (BG) levels and potential side effects were evaluated during treatment. There were significant decreases in mean heart rate and SBP after the initiation of propranolol therapy (P < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences in mean DBP and BG levels were observed after each dose during hospitalization (P > 0.05). Bradycardia and hypotension were noted in at least 1 recorded instance in 11.8% and 5.9% of patients, respectively. These hemodynamic changes were not persistent and were asymptomatic. Two patients who had a history of neonatal pneumonia reported severe bronchial hyperreactivity during treatment. This study demonstrated that propranolol administered to properly selected young infants was safe and well tolerated. However, close monitoring should be considered in high-risk young patients.

The Impact of Intragastric Balloons on Obesity-Related Co-Morbidities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectivesTherapies less invasive than surgery and more effective than lifestyle and pharmacotherapy are needed to contend with the obesity epidemic. Intragastric balloons (IGBs) are a minimally invasive endoscopic weight loss method recently approved for use in the US. The purpose of the study is to assess the effect of IGBs on metabolic outcomes associated with obesity.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Database were searched through July 2016. Dual extraction and quality assessment of studies using Cochrane risk of bias tool were performed independently by two authors. Primary outcomes included the change from baseline in metabolic parameters. Secondary outcomes included resolution and/or improvement in metabolic co-morbidities and association with baseline parameters.Results10 randomized controlled trials (RCT) and 30 observational studies including 5,668 subjects were analyzed. There was moderate-quality evidence for improvement in most metabolic parameters in subjects assigned to IGB therapy as compared to conventional non-surgical therapy in RCTs: mean difference (MD) in fasting glucose change: -12.7 mg/dl (95% confidence interval (CI) -21.5, -4); MD in triglycerides: -19 mg/dl (95% CI -42, 3.5); MD in waist circumference: -4.1 cm (95% CI -6.9, -1.4); MD in diastolic blood pressure: -2.9 mm Hg (95% CI -4.1, -1.8). The odds ratio for diabetes resolution after IGB therapy was 1.4 (95% CI 1.3, 1.6). The rate of serious adverse events was 1.3%.ConclusionsIGBs are more effective than diet in improving obesity-related metabolic risk factors with a low rate of adverse effects, however the strength of the evidence is limited given the small number of participants and lack of long-term follow-up.

POOR SLEEP QUALITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED RISK OF LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE

ObjectivesPoor sleep quality, a novel risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), is highly prevalent in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). However, the underlying mechanisms between CVD and poor sleep...

1106 INVERSE ASSOCIATIONS OF GUT MICROBIAL DERIVED CO-METABOLITES WITH BLOOD PRESSURE

Background: The gut microbiome has been implicated in blood pressure (BP) variation and cardiovascular disease. Methods: Eight random population samples, 2,000 Americans ages 40–59 in the International Study of Macro/Micronutrients and Blood Pressure (INTERMAP); eight BP measurements at four visits; 24-h urinary sodium, potassium excretion, and most abundant urinary gut microbial co-metabolites, measured by ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) from two 24-h collections per individual. Associations between gut microbial metabolites and BP assessed by multiple linear regression. Results: 24-h urinary hippurate, 4-cresylsulphate (4CS) and phenylacetylglutamine (PAG) were inversely associated with diastolic BP (P = 0.002 to P = 9.2 x 10–5 for 4CS), as was the 4CS/PAG ratio (P = 0.01 to P = 1.9 x 10–6); regression coefficients per 2 SD difference ranged from -1.03 to -1.99 mm Hg for the 4CS/PAG ratio (Table). Results for systolic BP were also inverse, though not all significant. Table. Estimated mean differences in diastolic BP (mm Hg) per 2 standard deviation (SD) higher excretion of UPLC-MS/MS derived gut microbial metabolites. INTERMAP US samples, men and women combined* (N = 2,000)Interpretation: Both phenylalanine and tyrosine can be converted to the potent vasopressors β-phenylethylamine and tyramine, respectively, by bacterial putrefaction processes in the distal colon; PAG and 4CS are in related, directionally opposite, pathways, but non-vasoactive. Their inverse associations with BP may reflect activity of competing putrefactive microbial pathways away from sympathomimetic amine production. Gut microbial co-metabolism may have a role in BP regulation.

Vasoactive drugs for acute stroke.

It is unclear whether blood pressure (BP) should be altered actively during the acute phase of stroke. To assess the effect of lowering or elevating BP in people with acute stroke, and the effect of different vasoactive drugs on BP in acute stroke. We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched June 2009), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2009), MEDLINE (1966 to October 2009), EMBASE (1980 to October 2009), and Science Citation Index (1981 to October 2009). Randomised trials of interventions that would be expected, on pharmacological grounds, to alter BP in patients within one week of the onset of acute stroke. Two review authors independently applied the trial inclusion criteria, assessed trial quality, and extracted data. We identified 131 trials involving in excess of 18,000 patients; a further 13 trials are ongoing. We obtained data for 43 trials (7649 patients). Among BP-lowering trials, beta receptor antagonists lowered BP (early systolic BP (SBP) mean difference (MD) -6.1 mmHg, 95% CI -11.4 to -0.9; late SBP MD -4.9 mmHg, 95% CI -10.2 to 0.4; late diastolic BP (DBP) MD -4.5 mmHg, 95% CI -7.8 to -1.2). Oral calcium channel blockers (CCB) lowered BP (late SBP MD -3.2 mmHg, 95% CI -5.4 to -1.1; early DBP MD -2.5, 95% CI -5.6 to 0.7; late DBP MD -2.1, 95% CI -3.5 to -0.7). Nitric oxide donors lowered BP (early SBP MD -10.3 mmHg, 95% CI -17.6 to -3.0). Prostacyclin lowered BP (late SBP MD, -7.7 mmHg, 95% CI -15.6 to 0.2; late DBP MD -3.9 mmHg, 95% CI -8.1 to 0.4). Among BP-increasing trials, diaspirin cross-linked haemoglobin (DCLHb) increased BP (early SBP MD 15.3 mmHg, 95% CI 4.0 to 26.6; late SBP MD 15.9 mmHg, 95% CI 1.8 to 30.0). None of the drug classes significantly altered outcome apart from DCLHb which increased combined death or dependency (odds ratio (OR) 5.41, 95% CI 1.87 to 15.64). There is not enough evidence to evaluate reliably the effect of altering BP on outcome after acute stroke. However, treatment with DCLHb was associated with poor clinical outcomes. Beta receptor antagonists, CCBs, nitric oxide, and prostacyclin each lowered BP during the acute phase of stroke. In contrast, DCLHb increased BP.

Blood Pressure 1 Year after Stroke: The Need to Optimize Secondary Prevention

Lowering blood pressure (BP) in stroke survivors reduces the risk of recurrent stroke. We tested the hypothesis that a nurse-led nonpharmacologic intervention would lower the BP of participants in an intervention group compared with a control group. A total of 349 patients who had sustained acute stroke or transient ischemic attack were randomly assigned to either usual care or to 4 home visits by a nurse. During the visits, the nurse measured and recorded BP and provided individually tailored counseling on a healthy lifestyle. A total of 303 patients completed the 1-year follow up. No change in systolic BP was noted in either the intervention group or the control group. Because of an increase in diastolic BP in the control group (P = .03), a difference in mean diastolic BP between the 2 groups was found at follow-up (P = .007). Mean BP at follow-up was 139/82 mm Hg in the intervention group and 142/86 mm Hg in the control group. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that BP at the point of discharge was the strongest predictor of BP 1 year later (P < .0001). The proportion of patients on antihypertensive medication increased in the intervention group (P = .002). Patients were compliant with antihypertensive therapy, and 92% of the hypertensive patients in the intervention group followed the advice to see a general practitioner (GP) for BP checkups. At follow-up, 187 patients (62%) were hypertensive, with no difference in the rate of hypertension seen between the groups. Our data indicate that home visits by nurses did not result in a lowering of BP. Patients complied with antihypertensive therapy and GP visits in the case of hypertension. Nonetheless, the majority of patients were hypertensive at the 1-year follow up.

The interarm blood pressure difference as predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension in primary care: cohort study

Objectives of this study were to measure the prevalence of a difference in blood pressure (BP) between arms and determine whether a difference is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events or death. A prospective cohort study of 247 patients with hypertension was undertaken in one rural general practice in England. The main outcome measures were mean difference in BP between arms and new episodes of myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular event, onset of angina or peripheral vascular disease or death. A total of 57/247 (23%) patients had a mean difference in systolic BP between arms of >or=10 mm Hg and 8/247 (3%) had a mean difference of >or=20 mm Hg. A total of 15/247 (6%) patients had a mean difference in diastolic BP between arms of >or=10 mm Hg. Survival analysis after 4.7 years (range 3.3-5.9) showed a shorter mean survival time without event or death for patients with a difference in systolic BP of >or=10 mm Hg compared with a difference of <10 mm Hg (3.7 (95% confidence interval, 3.2-4.2) versus 4.8 (4.6-5.1) years; P<0.001; hazard ratio 2.5 (1.5-4.2), P=0.001). Difference in systolic BP of >or=10 mm Hg between arms is common in this primary care population and is associated with a shorter survival time to death or new cardiovascular event. Detection of a difference between arms may identify hypertensive patients at increased risk of cardiovascular events. Such an approach would allow more effective targeting of resources in primary prevention strategies.

Potassium supplementation for the management of primary hypertension in adults

Epidemiological evidence on the effects of potassium on blood pressure is inconsistent. To evaluate the effects of potassium supplementation on health outcomes and blood pressure in people with elevated blood pressure. We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, ISI Proceedings, ClinicalTrials.gov, Current Controlled Trials, CAB abstracts, and reference lists of systematic reviews, meta-analyses and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) included in the review. Inclusion criteria were: 1) RCTs of a parallel or crossover design comparing oral potassium supplements with placebo, no treatment, or usual care; 2) treatment and follow-up >=8 weeks; 3) participants over 18 years, with raised systolic blood pressure (SBP) >=140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >=85 mmHg); 4) SBP and DBP reported at end of follow-up. We excluded trials where: participants were pregnant; received antihypertensive medication which changed during the study; or potassium supplementation was combined with other interventions. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Disagreements were resolved by discussion or a third reviewer. Random effects meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Six RCT's (n=483), with eight to 16 weeks follow-up, met our inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of five trials (n=425) with adequate data indicated that potassium supplementation compared to control resulted in a large but statistically non-significant reductions in SBP (mean difference: -11.2, 95% CI: -25.2 to 2.7) and DBP (mean difference: -5.0, 95% CI: -12.5 to 2.4). The substantial heterogeneity between trials was not explained by potassium dose, quality of trials or baseline blood pressure. Excluding one trial in an African population with very high baseline blood pressure resulted in smaller overall reductions in blood pressure (SBP mean difference: -3.9, 95% CI: -8.6 to 0.8; DBP mean difference: -1.5, 95% CI: -6.2 to 3.1). Further sensitivity analysis restricted to two high quality trials (n=138) also found non-significant reductions in blood pressure (SBP mean difference: -7.1, 95% CI: -19.9 to 5.7; DBP mean difference: -5.5, 95% CI: -14.5 to 3.5). This systematic review found no statistically significant effect of potassium supplementation on blood pressure. Because of the small number of participants in the two high quality trials, the short duration of follow-up, and the unexplained heterogeneity between trials, the evidence about the effect of potassium supplementation on blood pressure is not conclusive. Further high quality RCTs of longer duration are required to clarify whether potassium supplementation can reduce blood pressure and improve health outcomes.

Ambulatory pressure monitoring in the assessment of antihypertensive therapy

A low-cost, ambulatory blood-pressure monitor has been calibrated and validated against a random zero sphygmomanometer. The repeatability of ambulatory pressure recordings after a placebo month in 44 mild to moderate untreated hypertensives was assessed. Systolic blood pressure showed a mean difference over 1 month of 2.0 mmHg, with a standard deviation of differences of 9.3 mmHg. The diastolic blood pressure mean difference was 0.1 mmHg (SD = 6.3 mmHg). This variability was much less than for clinic readings (SD = 17.3 mmHg) or for single home pressure readings (SD = 19.7 mmHg). Using ambulatory monitoring to detect a drop in pressure of 8/5 mmHg with a power of 0.9, the number of subjects needed in a parallel group trial is reduced from 360 to 68, and in a crossover study from 88 to 16 subjects. The usefulness of ambulatory pressure monitoring is demonstrated in a placebo-controlled comparison of atenolol, nifedipine retard, or their combination in random order. Eleven subjects, 21-60 years, with initial average blood pressures of 166.5/104.7 mmHg, showed a reduction in pressure with atenolol 50 mg a day of 15.1/10.0 mmHg, with nifedipine retard 20 mg b.i.d. of 21.0/11.6 mmHg, and with atenolol 50 mg and nifedipine retard 20 mg once a day of 26.2/16.8 mmHg. Ambulatory monitoring of pressure improved the accuracy of the trial and demonstrated a reduction in the alerting response with atenolol.